PRINTSmoke-free satisfaction
Catherine Szalkowski
March 26, 2009 | 12:00 a.m. CST
When I was an undergrad, I worked at a bar. The pay was good, the hours weren’t too bad, and my friends frequently stopped in to keep me company.
But arriving home at 3 a.m. and smelling like I’d rolled in a field of cigarette butts wasn’t pleasant. And waking up in the morning feeling like I’d swallowed a piece of insulation wasn’t great either.
People were allowed to smoke in bars then. I accepted it because there wasn’t an alternative, but I didn’t enjoy it. As a nonsmoker the idea of smoke-free establishments only seems fair. Why should I have to smell like your cigarette?
The pleasure of coming home after a night out and not having my hair and clothing carry the odor of sulfur is exhilarating. I don’t have to shower before bed for fear the ingrained smokiness will seep into my pillows. Now I can wear the same jeans the next day without getting a whiff of stale smoke every time I take a step.
I have friends who smoke, and though it might be an inconvenience for them, they have no problem leaving a bar or restaurant when they need a few drags. Banning smoking in public establishments is in the same realm as banning cell phone use while driving; it’s about the safety and consideration of others.
The smoking ban in Columbia has been in effect for more than two years, and there are still businesses feeling the heat. Local smokers have been relocated to outdoor patios while nonsmokers breathe easily indoors. Where do you stand, Columbia? Air your opinion: vox@missouri.edu.
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dear missy,
sounds like you had a choice. you had the choice to work at or attend nightclubs that either allowed or didn't allow smoking. prior to the smoking ban your choice was to still either work there or party there. A choice, thats all smokers ask for. a business owner would like a choice also but the city council eliminated that, as they did the revenues from lost sales because of the smoking ban. how many people would be in favor of repeated tax increases on alcohol, probably not many drinkers. as smokers are taxed out of exsistance where will the state and city replace the lost revenue? another choice may be needed
Posted by k bro on Mar 26, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. (Report Comment)
Yes k bro is right. Its all about choice missy something that was taking away from the bar owner which i guess you think is alright. Only some can have a choice. One of these days everyone will have a choice taken away from them then what will you think? Iam a owner,it is my choice on how to run My business. If people dont like the way i run it they have the choice not to come there.
Posted by marvin saunders on Apr 3, 2009 at 4:29 a.m. (Report Comment)